Weather patterns across the country could look different in the coming months as a strong El Niño phenomenon is being predicted.
According to a report by Statista, using data from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University, large parts of the United States could experience a wetter and stormier fall and winter.
El Niño and La Niña are recurring climate patterns caused by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures. El Niño occurs when waters are warmer than average and can bring wetter, stormier conditions to parts of the United States, while La Niña occurs when those waters are cooler and can bring drier conditions to the South. Both can influence weather patterns far beyond the Pacific.
Why We Haven’t Seen an Atlantic Hurricane Yet
El Niño may already be influencing something especially important to Southeast Florida: hurricane activity.
As of mid-September, not a single hurricane has formed in the Atlantic this year, even though this is normally the peak of hurricane season. According to The Associated Press, meteorologists largely attribute the unusually quiet season to the exceptionally strong El Niño. Strong wind shear has been disrupting developing storms, while dry air and sinking air have made the Atlantic particularly unfavorable for tropical cyclone development. Overall Atlantic storm activity was only about 7% of normal for this point in the season.
What This Means for Us in Southeast Florida
Weather is always part of the conversation when owning a home in Southeast Florida. Changes in rainfall and storm patterns can make home maintenance, drainage, landscaping, and overall property preparedness especially important.
For buyers and sellers, it is another reminder to consider more than the home itself. Location, property condition, and how a home handles our climate can all matter.
I don't know about you, but the longer I've lived here (since 1998), the easier it is to take the heat. Still don't like sweating....
Rainy tip to stay dry: When you get in and out of the car, use a towel as a cover instead of an umbrella.
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